As the wholesale van market enters its summer slowdown, Manheim says the challenge of unsold stock must be addressed head on.

The traditional dip is being compounded this year by a succession of major cultural and sporting events – the Jubilee, the European Championships and the upcoming Olympics.

As such, Manheim says stock should be subjected to ‘pro-active auction house and vendor pricing’ to ensure optimum values are returned in the quickest possible time.

James Davis, director of commercial vehicles at Manheim Remarketing, said: “We will have to wait and see the extent to which Olympic fever grips the UK, but it will clearly continue to impact on retail activity.

“In a softening market the price guides have a challenge because if they simply apply wholesale price reductions across all segments, they could be seen to be starting a downward run.

“That would help no-one and would not reflect the true van stock market. Vendors should follow the example of the retail van market. Here, dealers track their competitors’ pricing online for specific models.”